By SHELLEY TROPE-FRIEDMAN, President of WIZO South Africa
The Women’s International Zionist Organisation (WIZO), with its 37 federations around the world, recognises the need to support and enhance our social responsibility and accountability to those in Israel who need it most. By bringing people together in solidarity, WIZO’s mission and vision is implemented to help those who need it to become fully functioning and self-sustaining members of Israeli society.
At the time of writing, and in the unpredictable eventualities that we find ourselves in presently, WIZO has implemented a crisis Temanagement team for our projects to ensure that the emergency situation in Israel is handled effectively. This will ensure that all our educational institutions and women’s shelters are equipped with food, water, supplies and generators in case of disruptions in communication and infrastructure. All personnel at our WIZO institutions have been trained for emergency situations and have been assigned bomb shelters, evacuation plans and clear guidelines for decision-making in real time to ensure maximum safety. All of these have been put in place to safeguard our WIZO business continuity for any eventuality.
In Sderot, in the South of Israel, WIZO has built three anti-missile and armoured bomb shelters that house over 70 children in our day care centres. The water and electricity designs have also been made to resist attacks. This unfortunately is the sad reality for the families who live in Sderot but now parents who leave their children in our creches can go to work with peaceful hearts knowing that their children are safe and protected.
The key to this is building resistance so that the children do not need to run to shelters in the event of a rocket alert. Teachers are less stressed and feel blessed knowing that the children are protected. In this way people in the South can return to some semblance of normality.
With all of this remarkable work taking place, WIZO has been recognised in the Maala Index. This index is used to assess the standards of corporate responsibility and social-environmental impact of organisations in Israel. We are very proud that WIZO has received recognition in the categories of diversity in the workforce, ethics and responsible corporate governance. This is the first time a nonprofit organisation has been recognised, and we join a prestigious list of companies such as Microsoft and Nespresso who are also included in this index.
Rosh Hashanah, which will be upon us shortly, symbolises new beginnings and hope. Similarly, WIZO’s ideology is to give hope and create safe spaces for those who need it most. We do this by building an inclusive and resilient society in Israel where no one falls between the cracks and where everyone has equal opportunities for a comfortable and secure life.
With your love, support and volunteerism, we are able to create positive change. We are most grateful for every act of kindness and generosity that makes, and has made, a positive difference in the lives of so many.
WIZO South Africa joins me in wishing you and your families a Chag Rosh Hashanah Sameach and may you, and all those you love, be inscribed in the Book of Life for an easy and meaningful fast. We sincerely hope that the year ahead will be filled with peace and security.
May the hostages be returned safely. Am Yisrael Chai.
Website: WIZO South Africa
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